Members of the Baxley Police Department, Appling County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement officers, city and county officials and citizens gathered for the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 22 outside on the front lawn of the Baxley Police Office and Appling County Sheriff’s Office building to pay tribute to the fallen officers in Georgia. Mayor Steve Rigdon opened the ceremonies with a welcome to all in attendance. Mayor Rigdon then read a poem. Appling County Commissioner Chairman Lewis Parker also gave a welcome and made comments. Both Rigdon and Parker gave their thoughts on the importance of remembering officers who have lost their lives while working to uphold the law.

Parker also led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief of Police James Godfrey gave the history of the Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Chief Godfrey commented on the importance of remembering officers of law enforcement that serve and protect citizens every day. Godfrey stated this is the 30th year that Baxley has been observing Peace Officers Memorial Day.

During the solemn ceremonies with the flags lowered at half staff, The Rev. Steve Statum read the names of the fallen officers. The three officers that died in Georgia last year were: Chief Anthony Quinn Barfield, Sr. Barwick Police Department. Barfield died as a result of a heart attack. Corporal Thomas Keith Slay of the Columbus Police Department, died as a result of an automobile accident, and Officer Ivorie G. Klusmann, DeKalb County Police Department.
Klusmann died as a result of an automobile accident. Rev. Statum prayed for the families of the fallen officers.

The Bulloch County Honor Guard marched in order and quietly presented a beautiful memorial wreath beneath the flags. After the playing of taps, the song “Knocking on Heavens Door” by Bob Dylan on CD was played, followed by the firing of 21 shots, by Bulloch County Honor Guard in honor of the three officers who died last year.

Followed by a moment of silence, the program was turned over to Sheriff Benny Deloach who presented a plaque of appreciation to Mike Mayers for donating the flowers every year for the ceremonies. Sheriff Deloach stated Deputy Charlie Woodrow Simmons was struck and killed by a vehicle while on duty in 1978.Deputy Simmons had served with the agency for 12 years.

Sheriff Deloach then introduced the keynote speaker, Judge E. M. Wilkes III, Chief Judge. Wilkes gave a powerful and heart moving speech. He talked about one of the worst disasters in history that occurred on Sept. 11. The highlight of his speech was when Wilkes described a hero as the one that runs toward the danger while everyone else is running away.

Wilkes spoke about the death of Jeff Davis County Sheriff Marcus Hall, Sr. in 1992 and how his death really hit home with him as he knew Hall well. Sheriff Hall was shot and killed as he was attempting to arrest a man for shooting the man’s wife. Sheriff Hall had initially responded to a restaurant where the initial crime occurred, but then went to the man’s residence after learning the suspect had fled. When he arrived at the scene the suspect came out of the home with a handgun and opened fire. Sheriff Hall returned fire and both men were killed.

Wilkes told about the Appling Victim’s Memorial Walk. The memorial walk is a brick walkway that has the names and dates of local victims on each brick. Wilkes hopes and prays there will be no more names added to the victim’s memorial.

E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:

Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry

Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed.